It is the desire of Catch the Spirit of Appalachia to support and encourage the youth of Jackson, Swain, Haywood and Macon Counties in honoring and preserving our local authentic Appalachian heritage. Therefore, Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, Inc. a Jackson County Heritage nonprofit organization wishes to provide three opportunities for a scholarship in the amount of $500 for “Appalachian Studies,” to be presented to three deserving seniors within four western NC counties: Jackson, Swain, Haywood and Macon.

The Appalachian Studies program provides an opportunity to study the Appalachian region through the social and biological sciences, humanities, culture and applied arts. Students become well equipped in better understanding and promoting regional development. For our purposes: We support the study of art, writing, music, craftsmanship, literature, history, vocational, education, social work, human services all with intentions of producing an understanding that is supportive of regional pride and identity of the Appalachian people.

Annie Lee Bryson Memorial Scholarship:

Established in memory of Annie Lee Bryson by her children, Norma Clayton, Anna Allen and Carolyn Wiggins, and Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, the fund provides financial support for deserving students from Jackson, Macon, Haywood and Swain counties in North Carolina. The committee will select a student who has demonstrated academic and artistic achievement, community participation and financial worthiness. Preference is for a student from these counties who has declared a major/minor in Appalachian Studies or related studies with an interest in “traditional crafts.” Submission of an essay (two or more pages) describing your interest in the culture and heritage of Western North Carolina, your future goals and why you are deserving of this scholarship.

Mary Jane Queen Memorial Scholarship:

Established in memory of Mary Jane Queen by “The Queen Family” and Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, the fund provides financial support for deserving young students from rural Jackson, Macon, Haywood and Swain counties in North Carolina. The committee will select students who have declared a major/minor in music, with an interest in the traditional music of the Appalachian mountains (including roots and Influences undergraduate minor or graduate concentration within the Appalachian Studies MA). The scholarship is awarded on the basis of merit or potential in the area of music scholarship, with consideration of financial need. Description of Scholarship Essay Requirements: A brief (2-3 page) essay which describes your interests, activities, and goals in traditional music, OR, a one page essay and a performance recording (CD or DVD).

Elmer & Irene Hooper Civic Scholarship:

Established in memory of Elmer Hooper by his wife Irene Hooper, and Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, the fund provides financial support for deserving young students from rural Jackson, Macon, Haywood and Swain counties in North Carolina. The committee will select students who have declared a major/minor in Appalachian Studies. The committee is looking for high school seniors who have demonstrated excellence in volunteerism and leadership and who are committed to making a difference in the community.

Applicants must submit complete application and all supporting documents to the Guidance Counselor of the applicant’s school by April 20, 2012 in order to be considered for 2012. Home schooler applicants should complete the application and send it to CSA, 29 Regal Avenue, Sylva, NC 28779 by April 20, 2012. The application packet may be downloaded by going to website: http://www.spiritofappalachia.org/. For more information, call 828-631-4587.